Cost of Living in Live Oak, CA
Population 9,264 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Live Oak is a smaller California community of around 9000 residents, where median household incomes of $66,590 and housing costs ($318,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 7.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 35 miles south of Chico, Live Oak falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 30% lower than Chico's $455,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Live Oak
The median home value in Live Oak is $317,900 — 4% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $860/month, 35% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $66,590/year is 11% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Live Oak has a cost of living index of 89 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 11% less expensive.
Live Oak has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Live Oak, CA?
Live Oak has a cost index of 89 (100 = national average). It is 11% below the national average.
What is average rent in Live Oak, CA?
The median gross rent in Live Oak is $860 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Live Oak?
The median home value in Live Oak is $317,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Live Oak?
The median household income in Live Oak is $66,590 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Live Oak, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Live Oak is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Live Oak, CA affordable?
Yes, Live Oak is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 89 — about 11% below the US national average of 100.
Live Oak at a Glance
- Population
- 9,264
- Median Income
- $66,590
- Home Value
- $317,900
- Median Rent
- $860/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.1%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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